Tunisia's&nbsp;president&nbsp;cemented his grip over the judiciary on Sunday with a decree that lets him dismiss judges or block their promotion, helping consolidate his power after he seized executive authority last summer in a move his foes call a coup.

President&nbsp;Kais Saied outraged his opponents&nbsp;and alarmed democratic foreign allies with his announcement last week that he was dissolving the Supreme Judicial Council, a body that guaranteed judicial independence.

Saied, a former constitutional lawyer and the husband of a judge, has accused the council of acting for political interests and has set up a temporary replacement to oversee judges' work while he prepares broader changes.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/coup-detat-tunisians-protest-against-president-saied-429323">'Coup d'etat': Tunisians protest against President Saied</a>

The judiciary was seen as the last remaining institutional block on Saied's actions after he suspended the parliament last year and said he could rule by decree.

Saied has said his actions were temporary and were needed to save Tunisia from a corrupt, self-serving elite that had allowed its economy and politics to stagnate for years and brought the state to the brink of collapse.

Some Supreme Judicial Council members and other judges demonstrated last week and shut down many courts with a two-day strike in protest at Saied's moves on the judiciary.

However, Saied issued a new decree early on Sunday creating a temporary new council, with no fixed term, to oversee the judiciary and saying judges had no right to go on strike.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tunisia-president-appoints-new-government-nearly-3-months-after-power-grab-419903">Tunisia president appoints new government nearly 3 months after power grab</a>

The decree also said Saied has the right to object to the promotion or nomination of any judges and is responsible for proposing judicial reforms, effectively giving him sole power over the entire justice system.

Saied has already seized absolute control over both executive and legislative authority, and his critics accuse him of seeking dictatorial powers.

He has said he will uphold rights and freedoms won in the 2011 revolution that brought democracy and that he will put a new constitution to a referendum this summer, with new parliamentary elections to follow in December.

However, with Tunisia facing a rapidly looming crisis&nbsp;in public finances, the Western donors that have previously bailed it out have voiced deep concern at Saied's moves and have said any political process needs to be inclusive.

Watch |&nbsp;Olive farms run dry in Tunisia, climate change threatens water supplies

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/olive-farms-run-dry-in-tunisia-climate-change-threatens-water-supplies-429563/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The main opposition Ennahda, a moderate Islamist party that has played a major role in most governments since the revolution and is the largest party in the suspended parliament, has called a protest for later on Sunday in Tunis.

Tunisia's president cemented his grip over the judiciary on Sunday with a decree that lets him dismiss judges or block their promotion, helping consolidate his power after he seized executive authority last summer in a move his foes call a coup.

Tunisia's president cemented his grip over the judiciary on Sunday with a decree that lets him dismiss judges or block their promotion, helping consolidate his power after he seized executive authority last summer in a move his foes call a coup. President Kais Saied outraged his opponents and alarmed democratic foreign allies with his announcement last week that he was dissolving the Supreme Judicial Council, a body that guaranteed judicial independence. Saied, a former constitutional lawyer and the husband of a judge, has accused the council of acting for political interests and has set up a temporary replacement to oversee judges' work while he prepares broader changes. Also read | 'Coup d'etat': Tunisians protest against President Saied The judiciary was seen as the last remaining institutional block on Saied's actions after he suspended the parliament last year and said he could rule by decree. Saied has said his actions were temporary and were needed to save Tunisia from a corrupt, self-serving elite that had allowed its economy and politics to stagnate for years and brought the state to the brink of collapse. Some Supreme Judicial Council members and other judges demonstrated last week and shut down many courts with a two-day strike in protest at Saied's moves on the judiciary. However, Saied issued a new decree early on Sunday creating a temporary new council, with no fixed term, to oversee the judiciary and saying judges had no right to go on strike. Also read | Tunisia president appoints new government nearly 3 months after power grab The decree also said Saied has the right to object to the promotion or nomination of any judges and is responsible for proposing judicial reforms, effectively giving him sole power over the entire justice system. Saied has already seized absolute control over both executive and legislative authority, and his critics accuse him of seeking dictatorial powers. He has said he will uphold rights and freedoms won in the 2011 revolution that brought democracy and that he will put a new constitution to a referendum this summer, with new parliamentary elections to follow in December. However, with Tunisia facing a rapidly looming crisis in public finances, the Western donors that have previously bailed it out have voiced deep concern at Saied's moves and have said any political process needs to be inclusive. Watch | Olive farms run dry in Tunisia, climate change threatens water supplies The main opposition Ennahda, a moderate Islamist party that has played a major role in most governments since the revolution and is the largest party in the suspended parliament, has called a protest for later on Sunday in Tunis.

Tunisian president cements power over judiciary

In a bid to end the political stalemate, and ensure stability, lawmakers in Italy has re-elected Sergio Mattarella as President.

Italy re-elects Mattarella as President as lawmakers vote for political stability

President Erdogan sacks chief statistician as Turkey's economic crisis worsens. Erdogan has been receiving flak for currency Lira's free fall.

Erdogan sacks chief statistician as Turkey's economic crisis worsens

Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has rejected calls for an international probe into a crisis in the ex-soviet country.

Kazakhstan President Tokayev rejects calls for an international probe into a crisis that killed 200

We've arrived at the time of year when Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and her colleagues must perform a delicate balancing act in order to satisfy the budget's numerous objectives.

Because of the prolonged pandemic, this budget is more challenging than most, but the recent strong tax revenues have given her some freedom.

Even so, she must ensure that economic growth is maintained, that social sector spending is not decreased, and that all of this is done without jeopardising fiscal responsibility.&nbsp;

Finance ministers are regarded as holding the most powerful positions in the world.

In India, many of these ministers went on to become Prime Ministers (PMs) or even Presidents of the country.

Jawaharlal Lal Nehru, Indira and Rajiv Gandhi all delivered the Budget while serving as Prime Minister of India.

Jawaharlal Nehru (Finance Minister and Prime Minister)

Beginning with the country's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru served as India's first Prime Minister from 1947 to 1964, and was the second person to propose the Union Budget (after Shanmukham Chetty), while holding the Ministry of Finance position in the fiscal year 1958-59.

Morarji Desai (Finance Minister to the Prime Minister)

With ten times as Finance Minister, Morarji Desai holds the record for presenting the most Union Budgets.

Following Jawaharlal Nehru, Desai served as finance minister from 13 March 1958 to 29 August 1963, and then again from 13 March 1967 to 16 July 1969 after Indira Gandhi.

Between March 24, 1977, and July 28, 1979, Desai served as India's fourth Prime Minister.

Indira Gandhi:

Indira Gandhi, Nehru's daughter, was the first and only woman to serve as Prime Minister twice, from 1966 to 1977 and from 1980 to 1984.

From July 16, 1969, to June 27, 1970, she was also in charge of the Ministry of Finance.

Similarly, when serving as Prime Minister of India, Charan Singh held the position of Finance Minister but did not submit the Budget.

Charan Singh

Similarly, Charan Singh served as India's finance minister (for a brief period between January and July 1979) before becoming Prime Minister from July 1979 to January 1980.&nbsp;

Rajiv Gandhi

Rajiv Gandhi, Indira Gandhi's son, served as Prime Minister from 1984 to 1989 and delivered the Union Budget in 1987-88, during which time he introduced the corporate tax. He also served as Minister of Finance.

Manmmohan Singh

Manmohan Singh served as India's Finance Minister from 1991 to 1996, and was a key figure in the liberalisation of the economy and the abolition of the licence raj system.

From 1982 to 1985, he served as the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India.

From 1998 to 2014, he served as Prime Minister of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), succeeding Atal Bihari Vajpayee (before Narendra Modi).

V P Singh

Vishwanath Pratap Singh was India's finance minister from December 1984 to January 1, 1987, and then Prime Minister from December 2, 1989 to November 10, 1990.

R Venkataraman

Venkataraman was the finance minister from January 14, 1980, to January 15, 1982, during which time he presented the budget three times.

From August 31st, 1984, to July 24, 1987, he served as Vice President, and then as President from July 25, 1987, until July 25, 1992.

Pranab Mukherjee

Pranab Mukherjee, like Venkataram, was the finance minister before ascending to the presidency as India's 13th President in July 2012.

From 1982 to 1984, he was the finance minister, and then again from 2009 until 2012.

He has delivered the budget seven times, along with Yashwant Sinha for third most, after P. Chidambaram and Morarji Desai.

(With inputs from agencies)

We've arrived at the time of year when Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and her colleagues must perform a delicate balancing act in order to satisfy the budget's numerous objectives.

We've arrived at the time of year when Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and her colleagues must perform a delicate balancing act in order to satisfy the budget's numerous objectives. Because of the prolonged pandemic, this budget is more challenging than most, but the recent strong tax revenues have given her some freedom. Even so, she must ensure that economic growth is maintained, that social sector spending is not decreased, and that all of this is done without jeopardising fiscal responsibility. Finance ministers are regarded as holding the most powerful positions in the world. In India, many of these ministers went on to become Prime Ministers (PMs) or even Presidents of the country. Jawaharlal Lal Nehru, Indira and Rajiv Gandhi all delivered the Budget while serving as Prime Minister of India. Jawaharlal Nehru (Finance Minister and Prime Minister) Beginning with the country's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru served as India's first Prime Minister from 1947 to 1964, and was the second person to propose the Union Budget (after Shanmukham Chetty), while holding the Ministry of Finance position in the fiscal year 1958-59. Morarji Desai (Finance Minister to the Prime Minister) With ten times as Finance Minister, Morarji Desai holds the record for presenting the most Union Budgets. Following Jawaharlal Nehru, Desai served as finance minister from 13 March 1958 to 29 August 1963, and then again from 13 March 1967 to 16 July 1969 after Indira Gandhi. Between March 24, 1977, and July 28, 1979, Desai served as India's fourth Prime Minister. Indira Gandhi: Indira Gandhi, Nehru's daughter, was the first and only woman to serve as Prime Minister twice, from 1966 to 1977 and from 1980 to 1984. From July 16, 1969, to June 27, 1970, she was also in charge of the Ministry of Finance. Similarly, when serving as Prime Minister of India, Charan Singh held the position of Finance Minister but did not submit the Budget. Charan Singh Similarly, Charan Singh served as India's finance minister (for a brief period between January and July 1979) before becoming Prime Minister from July 1979 to January 1980. Rajiv Gandhi Rajiv Gandhi, Indira Gandhi's son, served as Prime Minister from 1984 to 1989 and delivered the Union Budget in 1987-88, during which time he introduced the corporate tax. He also served as Minister of Finance. Manmmohan Singh Manmohan Singh served as India's Finance Minister from 1991 to 1996, and was a key figure in the liberalisation of the economy and the abolition of the licence raj system. From 1982 to 1985, he served as the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India. From 1998 to 2014, he served as Prime Minister of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), succeeding Atal Bihari Vajpayee (before Narendra Modi). V P Singh Vishwanath Pratap Singh was India's finance minister from December 1984 to January 1, 1987, and then Prime Minister from December 2, 1989 to November 10, 1990. R Venkataraman Venkataraman was the finance minister from January 14, 1980, to January 15, 1982, during which time he presented the budget three times. From August 31st, 1984, to July 24, 1987, he served as Vice President, and then as President from July 25, 1987, until July 25, 1992. Pranab Mukherjee Pranab Mukherjee, like Venkataram, was the finance minister before ascending to the presidency as India's 13th President in July 2012. From 1982 to 1984, he was the finance minister, and then again from 2009 until 2012. He has delivered the budget seven times, along with Yashwant Sinha for third most, after P. Chidambaram and Morarji Desai. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Indian finance ministers who went on to become President or PM

In Pics: Meet Honduras's first woman president Xiomara Castro

In a historic moment the central American nation of Honduras is now sworn in its very first female president Xiomara Castro and this comes amidst growing political rebellion in her leftist liberal party that has challenged her authority even before her inauguration.

Honduras swears in Xiomara Castro as first female president

Kazakhstan is holding more than 460 people on terrorism and disorder charges. This comes in the wake of mass unrest which led to the deployment of Russia-led forces.

Kazakhstan is holding more than 460 people on terrorism & disorder charges for protests

With a massive change in the political system, Chile's youngest president Gabriel Boric has unveiled his first centrist cabinet, and for the first time in the history of Chile, the country's cabinet is all set to be dominated by women.

Chile's youngest ever President Gabriel Boric unveils his women majority cabinet

#Kazakhstan has huge reserves of oil, precious metals and uranium. Yet, 162 people hold 55% of the country's total wealth. Why are ordinary people getting poorer in the Central Asian nation? Can the #KazakhstanProtests turn into a geopolitical crisis? Watch #WIONWideangle

Kazakhstan: The next geopolitical crisis?

In a major political gamble, President Biden failed to gather support from lawmakers as US's voting reforms bill hits the roadblock.

US: President Joe Biden's voting reforms bill hits the roadblock

Valerie Pecresse, a French woman who could become France's first female President. Voter survey shows she could beat President Emmanuel Macron in April's election.

Meet Valerie Pecresse, a French woman who could become France's first female President

Kazakhstan, where the violent unrest that began as a protest against fuel price hike has taken a political turn now. In a rare incident, the President of the central Asian country Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has criticized his predecessor.

Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev criticises his predecessor

Russian Affairs expert speaks to WION as CSTO is all set to pull out troops from conflict-ridden Kazakhstan.

Russian affairs expert: CSTO to pull out troops from Kazakhstan

Amid the unrest, Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has criticized his predecessor

As the number of coronavirus cases witnesses a spike in Mexico, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has contracted COVID-19 for the second time. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The leader made the announcement on Monday. This comes as the tests for virus have become scarce. &nbsp;

The president tested positive just soon after he had sounded hoarse at a news briefing in morning. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/covid-test-misinformation-spikes-along-with-spread-of-omicron-443719" hreflang="en">Covid test misinformation spikes along with spread of Omicron</a>

In early 2021, he had contracted COVID-19 for the first time. &nbsp;

On social media accounts, the president wrote, “Even though the symptoms are light, I will remain isolated and only work from the office and hold on-line meetings until further notice. In the meantime, Interior Secretary Adán Augusto López Hernández will take over for me at press conferences and other events." &nbsp;

In recent days, two cabinet secretaries of the president, the heads of the Environment and Economy departments, said that they had tested positive for the virus. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/singapore-health-minister-ong-ye-kung-says-30-of-coronavirus-deaths-last-year-were-fully-vaccinated-443600" hreflang="en">Singapore: Health Minister Ong Ye Kung says 30% of coronavirus deaths last year were fully vaccinated</a>

Earlier in the day, the president had told the citizens of the country to just assume they had Covid if they had symptoms. The number of confirmed cases has hiked by 186 per cent last week. &nbsp;

The president had also claimed the Omicron variant is 'a little Covid’, as hospitalisations and deaths have not increased at the same pace. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

As the number of coronavirus cases witnesses a spike in Mexico, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has contracted COVID-19 for the second time. The leader made the announcement on Monday.

As the number of coronavirus cases witnesses a spike in Mexico, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has contracted COVID-19 for the second time. The leader made the announcement on Monday. This comes as the tests for virus have become scarce. The president tested positive just soon after he had sounded hoarse at a news briefing in morning. Also Read: Covid test misinformation spikes along with spread of Omicron In early 2021, he had contracted COVID-19 for the first time. On social media accounts, the president wrote, “Even though the symptoms are light, I will remain isolated and only work from the office and hold on-line meetings until further notice. In the meantime, Interior Secretary Adán Augusto López Hernández will take over for me at press conferences and other events." In recent days, two cabinet secretaries of the president, the heads of the Environment and Economy departments, said that they had tested positive for the virus. Also Read | Singapore: Health Minister Ong Ye Kung says 30% of coronavirus deaths last year were fully vaccinated Earlier in the day, the president had told the citizens of the country to just assume they had Covid if they had symptoms. The number of confirmed cases has hiked by 186 per cent last week. The president had also claimed the Omicron variant is 'a little Covid’, as hospitalisations and deaths have not increased at the same pace. (With inputs from agencies)

After calling Omicron 'a little Covid’, Mexican president contracts coronavirus for second time

In last week's unrest, a total of 7,939 people has been detained by security forces in Kazakhstan as of Monday, the Interior Ministry said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

On Monday, Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev also characterised the unrest as a coup attempt. He vowed that his security services will never shoot peaceful protesters. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-ambassador-in-us-says-democracies-must-restore-peace-in-kazakhstan-443474" hreflang="en">Russian Ambassador in US says democracies must restore peace in Kazakhstan</a>

"Armed militants, who were waiting in the wings, joined the protests. The main goal was obvious: the undermining of the constitutional order, the destruction of government institutions and the seizure of power. It was an attempted coup d'etat", Tokayev said. &nbsp;

Tokayev added that security forces will "never fire" on peaceful protesters and that Moscow-led military mission in the country would also end "soon". &nbsp;

This is the worst bout of unrest in the Central Asian nation's history after getting separated from USSR. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/164-people-killed-in-kazakhstan-strategic-facilities-under-guard-443392" hreflang="en">164 people killed in Kazakhstan, 'strategic facilities' under guard</a>

The protests against fuel price rise were peaceful initially but it soon turned violent. Some government buildings were briefly captured or torched in many cities. &nbsp;

Without naming any suspects, Secretary of State Yerlan Karin told state television on Monday, "I think there was some kind of a conspiracy involving domestic and certain foreign destructive forces." &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;&nbsp;

In last week's unrest, a total of 7,939 people has been detained by security forces in Kazakhstan as of Monday, the Interior Ministry said. On Monday, Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev also characterised the unrest as a coup attempt.

In last week's unrest, a total of 7,939 people has been detained by security forces in Kazakhstan as of Monday, the Interior Ministry said. On Monday, Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev also characterised the unrest as a coup attempt. He vowed that his security services will never shoot peaceful protesters. Also Read: Russian Ambassador in US says democracies must restore peace in Kazakhstan "Armed militants, who were waiting in the wings, joined the protests. The main goal was obvious: the undermining of the constitutional order, the destruction of government institutions and the seizure of power. It was an attempted coup d'etat", Tokayev said. Tokayev added that security forces will "never fire" on peaceful protesters and that Moscow-led military mission in the country would also end "soon". This is the worst bout of unrest in the Central Asian nation's history after getting separated from USSR. Also Read: 164 people killed in Kazakhstan, 'strategic facilities' under guard The protests against fuel price rise were peaceful initially but it soon turned violent. Some government buildings were briefly captured or torched in many cities. Without naming any suspects, Secretary of State Yerlan Karin told state television on Monday, "I think there was some kind of a conspiracy involving domestic and certain foreign destructive forces." (With inputs from agencies)

As 7,939 people get detained, Kazakhstan's President says unrest was 'attempted coup d'etat'   

A state of emergency has been declared in parts of Kazakhstan after protests over rising fuel prices turned violent.

Kazakhstan crisis: Tensions escalating day by day

With an aim to provide comfort, US President Joe Biden visited Colorado after wildfire&nbsp;ravaged some parts of the state. &nbsp; &nbsp;

The president, who offered hugs and humour, surveyed the damage along with his wife, Jill. &nbsp;

The residents of the state have to rebuild homes and businesses, which were destroyed last week in a rare wind-whipped, winter fire. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-officials-release-footage-where-man-bursts-into-flames-on-being-tased-by-police-after-using-sanitizer-443052" hreflang="en">US officials release footage where man bursts into flames on being tased by police after using sanitizer</a>

The wildfire had burned through heavily populated suburbs between Denver and Boulder. &nbsp;

Around 35,000 people were forced to leave their homes. One victim has been identified on Friday, while one person is still missing. &nbsp;&nbsp;

<img alt="Brief 2" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="015f73d2-eb76-4b42-bea6-2f5424d6ad08" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/US2.jpg" />

Biden, who arrived in the Harper Lake neighbourhood of Louisville on Friday afternoon, passed the burned remnants of several homes next to damaged structures, which were still standing. &nbsp;

The leader also met residents and local officials, who were overseeing the response operation. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-discussed-shipping-stinger-missiles-to-ukraine-report-443055">US discussed shipping Stinger missiles to Ukraine: Report</a>

Biden, before heading to the White House, described the situation as 'god-awful'. &nbsp;

Around 1,100 buildings have been destroyed. It seems to have also caused a loss of USD 513 million. &nbsp;

The cause of the fire is, however, still under investigation. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The state, federal and local agencies and non-profits are offering housing assistance, food, stipends, counselling and other aid to residents. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

With an aim to provide comfort, US President Joe Biden visited Colorado after wildfire ravaged some parts of the state. The president, who offered hugs and humour, surveyed the damage along with his wife, Jill.

With an aim to provide comfort, US President Joe Biden visited Colorado after wildfire ravaged some parts of the state. The president, who offered hugs and humour, surveyed the damage along with his wife, Jill. The residents of the state have to rebuild homes and businesses, which were destroyed last week in a rare wind-whipped, winter fire. Also Read: US officials release footage where man bursts into flames on being tased by police after using sanitizer The wildfire had burned through heavily populated suburbs between Denver and Boulder. Around 35,000 people were forced to leave their homes. One victim has been identified on Friday, while one person is still missing. Biden, who arrived in the Harper Lake neighbourhood of Louisville on Friday afternoon, passed the burned remnants of several homes next to damaged structures, which were still standing. The leader also met residents and local officials, who were overseeing the response operation. Also Read | US discussed shipping Stinger missiles to Ukraine: Report Biden, before heading to the White House, described the situation as 'god-awful'. Around 1,100 buildings have been destroyed. It seems to have also caused a loss of USD 513 million. The cause of the fire is, however, still under investigation. The state, federal and local agencies and non-profits are offering housing assistance, food, stipends, counselling and other aid to residents. (With inputs from agencies)

To provide comfort, US President visits wildfire-ravaged Colorado

Kazakhstan has been dominating headlines for days as dozens have been reported dead in the protests. Russian troopers have been sent in to help quell the unrest for now. The president has rejected any talks with the protesters he says that he has given orders to shoot, to kill without any warning.

Kazakh leader vows to destroy 'Bandits', security forces given orders to shoot without warning

As Pakistan has been witnessing a huge surge in the number of coronavirus cases, President Arif Alvi has confirmed that he has tested positive for COVID-19 for the second time. &nbsp;

The president has also called on people to follow precautionary measures and standard operating procedures (SOPs) strictly. &nbsp;

On Twitter, the head of the state told that he had sore throat for four to five days and a mild fever. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/omicron-cases-on-the-rise-in-pakistan-government-advises-caution-442674" hreflang="en">Omicron cases on the rise in Pakistan, government advises caution</a>

"I have tested positive for COVID-19 again. Had a sore throat since four to five days and was getting better. Felt mildly feverish for a few hours two nights ago. No other symptoms," the President said. &nbsp;

"Friends, please resume precautions and follow SOPs," Alvi added. &nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
وازا مرضت فھوا یشفین 
 
اور جب میں بیمار ہوتا ہوں تو وہی شفا دیتا ہے 
 
I have tested +ive for Covid again. Had a sore throat since 4-5 days &amp; was getting better. Felt mildly feverish for a few hours two nights ago. No other symptoms. 
So friends plz resume precautions &amp; follow SOPs.
— Dr. Arif Alvi (@ArifAlvi) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArifAlvi/status/1479082811978047491?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The president had first tested positive for Covid on March 29 last year, as per Dawn. At the time, he had received only the first dose of the coronavirus vaccine. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sex-crime-corruption-plaguing-muslim-world-says-pakistan-prime-minister-imran-khan-442131" hreflang="en">Sex crime, corruption plaguing Muslim world, says Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan</a>

For the first time in nearly three months, the country has reported over 1,000 coronavirus infections, said reports in local media. &nbsp;

"Statistics 6 Jan 22: Total Tests in Last 24 Hours: 46,585, Positive Cases: 1085, Positivity %: 2.32%, Deaths :5, Patients on Critical Care: 636," Pakistan's National Command and Operation Centre tweeted. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

As Pakistan has been witnessing a huge surge in the number of coronavirus cases, President Arif Alvi has confirmed that he has tested positive for COVID-19 for the second time.

As Pakistan has been witnessing a huge surge in the number of coronavirus cases, President Arif Alvi has confirmed that he has tested positive for COVID-19 for the second time. The president has also called on people to follow precautionary measures and standard operating procedures (SOPs) strictly. On Twitter, the head of the state told that he had sore throat for four to five days and a mild fever. Also Read: Omicron cases on the rise in Pakistan, government advises caution "I have tested positive for COVID-19 again. Had a sore throat since four to five days and was getting better. Felt mildly feverish for a few hours two nights ago. No other symptoms," the President said. "Friends, please resume precautions and follow SOPs," Alvi added. وازا مرضت فھوا یشفین اور جب میں بیمار ہوتا ہوں تو وہی شفا دیتا ہے I have tested +ive for Covid again. Had a sore throat since 4-5 days & was getting better. Felt mildly feverish for a few hours two nights ago. No other symptoms. So friends plz resume precautions & follow SOPs. — Dr. Arif Alvi (@ArifAlvi) January 6, 2022 × The president had first tested positive for Covid on March 29 last year, as per Dawn. At the time, he had received only the first dose of the coronavirus vaccine. Also Read: Sex crime, corruption plaguing Muslim world, says Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan For the first time in nearly three months, the country has reported over 1,000 coronavirus infections, said reports in local media. "Statistics 6 Jan 22: Total Tests in Last 24 Hours: 46,585, Positive Cases: 1085, Positivity %: 2.32%, Deaths :5, Patients on Critical Care: 636," Pakistan's National Command and Operation Centre tweeted. (With inputs from agencies)

For second time, Pakistan President Arif Alvi contracts Covid  

On the first anniversary of the US Capitol riots, President Joe Biden made a powerful speech as he accused his predecessor Donald Trump of blocking the democratic transfer of power on January 6, 2021, as he deemed him as a "defeated former president."&nbsp;

"Even before the first ballot was cast, the former president was preemptively sowing doubt about the election results. He built his lie over months. It wasn’t based in any facts. He was just looking for an excuse, a pretext to cover for the truth," he said.&nbsp;

He further added, "He’s not just a former president. He’s a defeated former president."

"Defeated by a margin of over 7 million of your votes, and a full and free and fair election. There is simply zero proof the election results were inaccurate."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-year-of-us-capitol-riots-key-takeaways-and-prominent-faces-of-the-day-that-divided-america-442672">Also read |&nbsp;One year of US Capitol Riots: Key takeaways and prominent faces of the day that divided America</a>

Continuing his speech, Biden further said that the US and the entire world were locked in a battle between democracy and authoritarianism. "We're living at an inflection point in history, both at home and abroad. We're engaged anew in a struggle between democracy and autocracy. I will allow no one to place a dagger at the throat of democracy," he said.&nbsp;

On January 6, 2021, the US lawmakers were moving towards certifying Joe Biden’s victory in the election and pro-Trump protesters stormed the US Capitol to disrupt the legitimate transfer. The horrifying scene forced Congress to put a sudden pause on the ceremonial event confirming Biden's sweeping win in the elections. In the aftermath, the doors of the Senate were locked and a citywide curfew was announced.&nbsp;

After one complete year, several federal prosecutors have charged more than 700 people who were a part of this attack. New criminals are being tracked every week, even until now.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

On the first anniversary of the US Capitol riots, President Joe Biden made a powerful speech as he accused his predecessor Donald Trump of blocking the democratic transfer of power on January 6, 2021, as he deemed him as a "defeated former president.

On the first anniversary of the US Capitol riots, President Joe Biden made a powerful speech as he accused his predecessor Donald Trump of blocking the democratic transfer of power on January 6, 2021, as he deemed him as a "defeated former president." "Even before the first ballot was cast, the former president was preemptively sowing doubt about the election results. He built his lie over months. It wasn’t based in any facts. He was just looking for an excuse, a pretext to cover for the truth," he said. He further added, "He’s not just a former president. He’s a defeated former president." "Defeated by a margin of over 7 million of your votes, and a full and free and fair election. There is simply zero proof the election results were inaccurate." Also read | One year of US Capitol Riots: Key takeaways and prominent faces of the day that divided America Continuing his speech, Biden further said that the US and the entire world were locked in a battle between democracy and authoritarianism. "We're living at an inflection point in history, both at home and abroad. We're engaged anew in a struggle between democracy and autocracy. I will allow no one to place a dagger at the throat of democracy," he said. On January 6, 2021, the US lawmakers were moving towards certifying Joe Biden’s victory in the election and pro-Trump protesters stormed the US Capitol to disrupt the legitimate transfer. The horrifying scene forced Congress to put a sudden pause on the ceremonial event confirming Biden's sweeping win in the elections. In the aftermath, the doors of the Senate were locked and a citywide curfew was announced. After one complete year, several federal prosecutors have charged more than 700 people who were a part of this attack. New criminals are being tracked every week, even until now. (With inputs from agencies)

In his speech on the anniversary of Capitol riots, Biden deems Trump as a 'defeated former President'

South African president Cyril Ramaphosa has received the first part of the inquiry report into state capture that looks into wrongdoings under president Jacob Zuma's administration.

SA President Ramaphosa receives initial inquiry report into wrongdoings under Zuma's administration

Supporters of former US President Donald Trump have once again been accused of intimidation in the 2020 elections. According to the latest investigative report by Reuters, more than 850 threatening and hostile messages were aimed at election officials and staff.

Former US President Donald Trump's supporters accused of intimidation in the 2020 elections

Amid the ongoing conflict between China and Taiwan, Taiwan President warned Beijing not to misjudge the situation before military action.

Taiwan President warns China: Beijing authorities should not misjudge the situation

The United Nations is in talks with Somalia's Prime Minister and President. The international community is urging them to reduce tensions.

United Nations is in talks with Somalia's Prime Minister & President amid tensions

Is it a good idea for Joe Biden to run for reelection in 2024? And, if he runs again and wins, would it be good for the United States to have a president who is 86 — the age Biden would be at the end of a second term?

I put these questions bluntly because they need to be discussed candidly, not just whispered constantly.

In the 1980s, it was fair game for reputable reporters to ask whether Ronald Reagan was too old for the presidency, at a time when he was several years younger than Biden is today. Donald Trump’s apparent difficulty holding a glass and his constricted vocabulary repeatedly prompted unflattering speculation about his health, mental and otherwise. And Biden’s memory lapses were a source of mirth among his Democratic primary rivals, at least until he won the nomination.

Yet it is now considered horrible manners to raise concerns about Biden’s age and health. As if doing so can only play into Trump’s hands. As if the president’s well-being is nobody’s business but his own. As if it doesn’t much matter whether he has the fortitude for the world’s most important job, so long as his aides can adroitly fill the gaps. As if accusations of ageism and a giant shushing sound from media elites can keep the issue off the public's mind.

It won’t do. From some of his public appearances, Biden seems ... uneven. Often cogent, but sometimes alarmingly incoherent. What is the reason? I have no idea. Do his appearances (including the good ones) inspire strong confidence that the president can go the distance in his current term, to say nothing of the next? No.

And many people seem to know it. Recently, my colleagues Jonathan Martin and Alexander Burns reported on the Democratic Party’s not-so-quiet murmurs about what to do if Biden decides not to run. Aspirants for the nomination appear in the story like sharks circling a raft, swimming slow.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/caller-says-lets-go-brandon-to-biden-on-annual-christmas-calls-439763">Also read |&nbsp;Caller says 'Let's Go Brandon' to Biden on annual Christmas calls</a>

This is not healthy. Not for the president himself, not for the office he holds, not for the Democratic Party, not for the country.

In 2019, the Biden campaign — cognizant of the candidate’s age — sold him to primary voters as a “transition figure,” the guy whose main purpose was to dethrone Trump and then smooth the way for a fresher Democratic face. Biden never made that promise explicit, but the expectation feels betrayed.

Things might be different if the Biden presidency were off to a great start. It is not. Blame Joe Manchin or Mitch McConnell or the antivaxxers, but Biden’s poll numbers have been deeply underwater since August. The man who once gave his party hope now weighs on his party’s fortunes like a pair of cement shoes.

Things might also be different if it looked like the administration would soon turn the corner. That is the administration’s hope for the mammoth Build Back Better legislation. But last month’s passage of the infrastructure bill didn’t really move the political needle for Biden, and that bill was genuinely popular. Now BBB looms as another costly progressive distraction in a time of surging prices, spiking homicides, resurgent disease, urban decay, a border crisis, a supply-chain crisis and the threat of Iran crossing the nuclear threshold and of Russia crossing the Ukrainian border.

Oh, and Kamala Harris. Her supporters might decry the fact, but to an ever-growing number of Americans, the heir apparent seems lighter than air. Her poll numbers at this point in her term are the worst of those of any vice president in recent history, including Mike Pence’s. If she winds up as her party’s default nominee if Biden pulls out late, Democrats will have every reason to panic.

So what is the president to do? He should announce, much sooner than later, that he will not run for a second term.

The argument against this is that it would instantly turn him into a lame-duck president, and that is no doubt true.

But, news flash: Right now he is worse than a lame duck because potential Democratic successors are prevented from making calls, finding their lanes and appealing for attention. That goes especially for people in the administration who should be powerful contenders: Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and infrastructure czar Mitch Landrieu.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/latin-american-organisations-urge-us-to-curb-plastic-waste-export-439787">Also read |&nbsp;Latin American organisations urge US to curb plastic waste export</a>

And what would that mean for the rest of the Biden presidency? Far from weakening him, it would instantly allow him to be statesmanlike. And it would be liberating. It would put an end to the endless media speculation. It would inject enthusiasm and interest into a listless Democratic Party. It would let him devote himself wholly to addressing the country’s immediate problems without worrying about reelection.

And it needn’t diminish his presidency. George H.W. Bush accomplished more in four years than his successor accomplished in eight. Greatness is often easier to achieve when good policies aren’t encumbered by clever politics. Biden should think on it — and act soon.

Is it a good idea for Joe Biden to run for reelection in 2024? And, if he runs again and wins, would it be good for the United States to have a president who is 86 — the age Biden would be at the end of a second term?

Is it a good idea for Joe Biden to run for reelection in 2024? And, if he runs again and wins, would it be good for the United States to have a president who is 86 — the age Biden would be at the end of a second term? I put these questions bluntly because they need to be discussed candidly, not just whispered constantly. In the 1980s, it was fair game for reputable reporters to ask whether Ronald Reagan was too old for the presidency, at a time when he was several years younger than Biden is today. Donald Trump’s apparent difficulty holding a glass and his constricted vocabulary repeatedly prompted unflattering speculation about his health, mental and otherwise. And Biden’s memory lapses were a source of mirth among his Democratic primary rivals, at least until he won the nomination. Yet it is now considered horrible manners to raise concerns about Biden’s age and health. As if doing so can only play into Trump’s hands. As if the president’s well-being is nobody’s business but his own. As if it doesn’t much matter whether he has the fortitude for the world’s most important job, so long as his aides can adroitly fill the gaps. As if accusations of ageism and a giant shushing sound from media elites can keep the issue off the public's mind. It won’t do. From some of his public appearances, Biden seems ... uneven. Often cogent, but sometimes alarmingly incoherent. What is the reason? I have no idea. Do his appearances (including the good ones) inspire strong confidence that the president can go the distance in his current term, to say nothing of the next? No. And many people seem to know it. Recently, my colleagues Jonathan Martin and Alexander Burns reported on the Democratic Party’s not-so-quiet murmurs about what to do if Biden decides not to run. Aspirants for the nomination appear in the story like sharks circling a raft, swimming slow. Also read | Caller says 'Let's Go Brandon' to Biden on annual Christmas calls This is not healthy. Not for the president himself, not for the office he holds, not for the Democratic Party, not for the country. In 2019, the Biden campaign — cognizant of the candidate’s age — sold him to primary voters as a “transition figure,” the guy whose main purpose was to dethrone Trump and then smooth the way for a fresher Democratic face. Biden never made that promise explicit, but the expectation feels betrayed. Things might be different if the Biden presidency were off to a great start. It is not. Blame Joe Manchin or Mitch McConnell or the antivaxxers, but Biden’s poll numbers have been deeply underwater since August. The man who once gave his party hope now weighs on his party’s fortunes like a pair of cement shoes. Things might also be different if it looked like the administration would soon turn the corner. That is the administration’s hope for the mammoth Build Back Better legislation. But last month’s passage of the infrastructure bill didn’t really move the political needle for Biden, and that bill was genuinely popular. Now BBB looms as another costly progressive distraction in a time of surging prices, spiking homicides, resurgent disease, urban decay, a border crisis, a supply-chain crisis and the threat of Iran crossing the nuclear threshold and of Russia crossing the Ukrainian border. Oh, and Kamala Harris. Her supporters might decry the fact, but to an ever-growing number of Americans, the heir apparent seems lighter than air. Her poll numbers at this point in her term are the worst of those of any vice president in recent history, including Mike Pence’s. If she winds up as her party’s default nominee if Biden pulls out late, Democrats will have every reason to panic. So what is the president to do? He should announce, much sooner than later, that he will not run for a second term. The argument against this is that it would instantly turn him into a lame-duck president, and that is no doubt true. But, news flash: Right now he is worse than a lame duck because potential Democratic successors are prevented from making calls, finding their lanes and appealing for attention. That goes especially for people in the administration who should be powerful contenders: Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and infrastructure czar Mitch Landrieu. Also read | Latin American organisations urge US to curb plastic waste export And what would that mean for the rest of the Biden presidency? Far from weakening him, it would instantly allow him to be statesmanlike. And it would be liberating. It would put an end to the endless media speculation. It would inject enthusiasm and interest into a listless Democratic Party. It would let him devote himself wholly to addressing the country’s immediate problems without worrying about reelection. And it needn’t diminish his presidency. George H.W. Bush accomplished more in four years than his successor accomplished in eight. Greatness is often easier to achieve when good policies aren’t encumbered by clever politics. Biden should think on it — and act soon.

Biden should not run again, and he should say he won’t

Chile has elected its next President, 35-year-old Gabriel Boric has become the youngest-ever President. He is also referred to as the most left-wing President Chile ever elected.

The most left-wing President of Chile: Meet Gabriel Boric, a 35-year-old millennial

Chile has elected a 'leftist millennial' as its new President. A 35-yr-old Gabriel Boric will be the youngest President in Chile's history. He is also being called the most 'left-wing' President till date. Why? Palki Sharma explains.

Gravitas: 35-yr-old leftist millennial becomes Chile's new President

The biggest question in American politics right now is how did Joe Biden become so unpopular? The President's ratings have taken a big hit over the last few months.

How did Joe Biden become so unpopular?

president

President, News on President, stories on President, articles on President, President stories at Wion, President news, President latest news